JOHOR BARU: The Health Ministry is currently reviewing the proposal to reopen Malaysia’s borders, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

       The International Trade and Industry Minister said the Health Ministry would be presenting its proposal to the Cabinet to determine a suitable date to reopen the border.

       “Once the border is allowed to reopen, we want compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) to continue as the current Covid-19 situation where cases are still quite high, especially with the Omicron variant.

       “We do not want a similar situation where the healthcare system and intensive care units (at hospitals) are stretched again, as it is now at a manageable level.

       “However, the final decision is subject to the Health Ministry’s proposal,” he told the media after attending a high-tea with business industry players and small and medium enterprises in Skudai here on Thursday (Feb 17).

       On Feb 8, National Recovery Council chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin recommended that the country’s borders be ready to fully reopen on March 1 to support the nation’s recovery.